Meet-Cute: Stories of Falling in Love

There’s something magical about the moment we discover a new love—whether it’s a romantic connection, a deep friendship, or a newfound passion. We invite our storytellers to share their meet-cute moments, those serendipitous encounters that changed them forever. Maybe it's the story of falling head over heels for a creative pursuit, a place that felt like home, or even a pet who stole their heart. And, of course, we’d love to hear about the romantic sparks, too—be it a heartwarming connection or a steamy, unexpected rendezvous. Love isn’t confined to one definition, and these stories are as diverse as the people who tell them. Honest, vulnerable, and always real, each tale is a testament to how love in all its forms shapes who we are and who we become.

MEET OUR INCREDIBLE PERFORMERS

Team 20s - coming soon

Team 30s - Susannah Alleyne By day, Susannah Alleyne (she/her) is an award-winning lawyer. She is a poet, amateur foodie and self-proclaimed lover girl all the time.  As the Senior Manager of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) at the Law firm Lenczner Slaght she is responsible for working collaboratively with all members of the firm’s leadership to advance the firm’s IDEA strategy and plan. Susannah is also an active volunteer and an experienced panelist, guest lecturer and speaker who is passionate about facilitating conversations around IDEA in the  workplace and building an inclusive legal profession. A published and recorded poet, Susannah shares her love affair with words on Instagram, in various poetry group forums and she occasionally steps up to the mic. Susannah is also a proud member of Toronto's West Indian community. A loving aunty, devoted daughter, fiercely loyal friend and a lover of life - when she's not working you can find her chasing sunrise at the beach, donning a Caribbean carnival costume, or continuing her quest to visit every country in the world in this lifetime. LinkedIn You can check out her poetry here 

Team 40s - Stacy-Ann Buchanan’s impact, entrepreneurial work ethic, and achievements have led her to being selected as one of the 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada, one of the 150 Black Women Making Canada Better, one of the 150 Leading Canadians for Mental Health, and landing a TEDx Talk. She is also the author of the well-received book, “Good For You: 114 Mindful Practices Every Woman Can Adopt For A More Harmonious Life.” The self-directed and self-funded award-winning documentary, The Blind Stigma, made Canadian history when it debuted as the first documentary produced in Canada that takes an in-depth look at how mental health is perceived within the Black community, cementing Buchanan as a documentary filmmaker. As a recognized brand, The Blind Stigma has since branched out into a podcast that continues to explore such stigmas, dissect the multiple factors that contribute to mental illness in Black communities, and provides a safe space for stories to be heard. Her body of work has firmly planted her career on disrupting systemic anti-Black racism by taking holistic approaches to dismantle the stigmas of how mental health is constructed. Through raising awareness, directing positive dialogues to fuel resources, and orchestrating safe, constructive spaces for Black voices to be amplified, Stacy-Ann Buchanan’s ultimate objective is to reclaim the Black narrative. Website Instagram LinkedIn

Team 50s - Liz Esson is embracing her exciting “Third Act of Life” with zest, laughter, and a passion for learning—while helping others achieve success along the way. With over 30 years of experience in retail business operations, education, and healthcare, she brings a wealth of knowledge to everything she does. A former nurse turned entrepreneur, Liz has held senior leadership roles across multiple industries and is now the founder of Hazel, a coaching and consulting company. As both a mother and daughter, Liz is in the thick of the "full sandwich" of family life. She navigates its joys and challenges with a sense of humor, grace and patience (most of the time!). When she’s not supporting community organizations, you’ll find her sailing when the wind calls, swimming when the water’s just right, and following the flutter of wings on her latest birding adventure.

Team 60s - Charlotte Livingston is a speaker, model, and pro-age advocate who leads Style with Charlotte—a platform where fashion meets reinvention and women in their second act take center stage. Known for her bold storytelling and signature joie de vivre, Charlotte brings heart, style, and a little rebellion to everything she does. Whether she’s curating community events, gracing a runway, or breaking stereotypes about aging, her mission is clear: to challenge invisibility and ignite visibility for women over 50. She’s proof that your second act isn’t a soft fade—it’s a spotlight moment. And this time, she’s not just in the audience... she’s front row and center stage.

Team 70s - Robi Hamilton According to my 'Introduction Card' I am a Photographer/Artist/Gardener/Alto/Naturist. I worked in the retail side of the photographic biz for 35+ years, but started on 'the other side', as a life drawing (nude) model for OCA art students, and for my photographic mentor/teacher. Photography became a passion and an obsession after I watched that first print appear, almost magically, in the developer tray. So I acquired gear, learned to shoot 35mm film, put together a darkroom, and worked at Henry's, Vistek and Gentec to support my habit and myself. Eventually I started recording and editing video - and I turned that into a side hustle, recording events for Arabesque Dance Company and Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company. I embraced digital photography, and made an epic 'Grand Circle' Southwest USA shooting trip in 2008 - travelled 11,000 km and made over 7000 images in three weeks. I retired Apr. 1 2021. Started gardening, and learned how to make edibles when harvests were plentiful. I also decided to try expressing myself through art (watercolour, neurographic and zentangle), and I've added many of these pieces to my online photography portfolio. The motto I live by: Every day I do at least one thing that brings me joy - or that makes the day better, brighter and happier for someone I love - preferably both. I celebrate being a sapiosexual hedonist at Oasis. Website